Multiple analysts suggested ahead of this past weekend that the Tennessee Titans should select Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter over Miami quarterback Cam Ward if the club can’t find a buyer willing to match its reported asking price for the first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.
For an article published on Monday, Derrik Klassen of The Athletic explained why Titans head coach Brian Callahan is seemingly eager to turn to Ward after Callahan worked with 2023 second-round draft pick Will Levis and longtime backup Mason Rudolph during the 2024 season.
“The Titans’ 2024 offense was all about maximizing play-action opportunities and attacking down the field,” Klassen wrote. “Ward has the arm talent and fearlessness as a thrower to excel in that environment. However, Ward also massively improved his quick-game operation in college, and he’s much more comfortable playing from spread and empty formations than Will Levis has ever been. Ward is leaps and bounds ahead of Levis (or Mason Rudolph) as a creator outside of the pocket, too.”
While analysts have noted since at least January that none of the quarterbacks in this year’s class should have a true first-round grade, SNY NFL insider Connor Hughes mentioned back on April 8 that “the Titans fell in love with Ward and now want him for themselves.” Additionally, it seems that teams such as the Cleveland Browns (pick No. 2) and New York Giants (No. 3) aren’t willing to sell the farm for the Ward selection.
Back on April 7, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated indicated the Titans would only move off the draft’s first pick if they knew they could do so and grab either Carter or Hunter. Neither Carter nor Hunter is expected to get past the draft’s third choice.
“There are going to be growing pains with Ward’s overzealous play style early on, but they will be worth it in the long run. Ward has both a floor and ceiling worthy of being the No. 1 pick in this class,” Klassen added.
For a different piece posted on Monday, ESPN’s Matt Miller ranked Ward 14th among the prospects in this year’s draft.
“Multiple scouts have told me Ward is QB1 in the class,” Miller said.
Such endorsements coupled with their own evaluations reportedly have the Titans ready to draft Ward on the night of April 24.
